Identification attachment for automobiles



W. S. MARR.

TDENTIFICATION ATTACHMENT FOR AUTOMOBILES.

APPLICATION FILED JUNE 24. 1918.

1,343,837; Patented un 15, 1920.

3 JOHN D011 3 E 51.- NAS.

lV/vle/afi/g fi x UNITED STATES WINFIELD s. MARE, or ENID, OKLAHOMA.

IDENTIFICATION" ATTACHMENT FOR AUTOMOBILES.

Specification of Letters Patent. Patented J 11119 15 1920 Application filed June 24, 1918. Serial No. 241,541.

To all whom it may concern: I I

Be it known that I, WINFIELD S. MARK, a citizen of the United States, residing at Enid, in the county of Garfield and State of Oklahoma, have invented certain new and useful Improvements in Identification Attachments for Automobiles, of which the following is a specification.

This invention relates to improvements in identification attachments for automobiles and other vehicles and it is the principal object of the invention to provide a device capable of being attached to an automobile with but slight alteration thereto whereby to enable a person to establish his right of ownership to the same in the event of theft thereof, the device being of such construction as will prevent the opening of it by unauthorized persons, thus protecting the identifying matter contained therein.

Other objects will be in part obvious and in part pointed out hereinafter.

The improvements in the details and arrangement of parts will be apparent from an inspection of the accompanying drawings when considered in connection with the specific description hereinafter contained and wherein a preferred embodiment of the invention is disclosed for the purpose of imparting a full understanding thereof.

In the drawings:

Figure 1 is a front elevation of the improved device,

Fig. 2 is a vertical transverse section therethrough taken on the line 22 of Fig. 1,

Fig. 3 is a similar view taken on the line 3-3 of Fig. 1, and

Fig. 4: is a detail in perspective of the improved receptacle. p

Having more particular reference to the drawings, in connection with which like reference characters will designate corresponding parts throughout the several views of the drawings, 1 represents the substantially box-like casing of the device, the forward wall of which is formed with a substantially rectangular opening, the purpose of which will be hereinafter described. As will be understood, the box-like casing 1 is adapted to be engaged with a portion of an automobile, for instance the dashboard thereof or at another suitable point, such as conditions or preference may dictate.

Brackets 2 are provided and are formed with diagonally disposed ways or slots 3, it being noted that the same are arranged on a pieced corresponding in shape and size to the opening in the forward wall of the boxlike casing 1 whereby to close the same when engaged therein. The lower marginal'portion of the piece 4 or front wall is flanged as at 5, in order that the same can be engaged with the adjacent portion of the casing, as shown in the Figs. 2 and 3, while a suitable form of lock 6 is arranged on the upper portion of the case or front wall 4 and is adapted to be connected with a keeper formed in the adjacent portion of the casing 1, thus serving to lock the front wall 4: in engagement with the adjacent portion of the casing and as a consequence, preventing removal of the brackets 2. c

A hollow cylindrical casing 7 having squared trunnions 8 arranged on its opposite ends is provided; the trunnions 8 being received in the diagonally disposed ways or slots 3 formed in the brackets 2. A longitudinally disposed opening is formed in the cylindrical receptacle 7 and has the sides thereof rabbeted to permit a closure 9 corresponding thereto in size and shape to be slidably engaged therein, a finger opening or recess 10 being formed in the free end of the closure for an obvious purpose.

When using the improved device, the front wall 4 is disengaged from the casing 1, thus effecting the removal of the cylindrical receptacle 7, whereupon the closure 9 of the receptacle is moved to its open position and suitable identification matter, such as an abstract of title or the like is placed therein and the receptacle then closed and replaced in the brackets 2, the squared trunnions 8, engaging in the diagonally disposed ways 3 therein. At this time, the front wall has the flanged portion 5 thereof engaged with the adjacent portion of the casing and when fully {engaged therewith is locked against displacement by turning the key in the lock 6.

As shown in the Fig. 1, the front wall 4: of the device is formed with a rectangular opening for receiving a portion of the peripheral surface of the cylindrical receptacle 7 therethrough, and as shown in Fig. 2 the cylinder is cut out to provide a seat receiving a plate 11 which has the name of the owner of the automobile placed thereon. the name plate showing through the opening in the wall 4:. Obviously, rotation of the receptacle to cause disalinement of the plate 11 with the rectangular opening formed in the front wall 4 is prevented due to the engagement of the squared trunnions 8 with the diagonal slot or ways in the brackets 2.

I further desire to have it understood that the identification matter or abstract of title is preferably registered with a proper official and in this way, verifies the right of ownership of a person employing the device.

Manifestly, the construction shown is capable of considerable modificiation and such modification as is within the scope of my claim, I consider within the spirit of my invention.

I claim:

A device of the character described comprising a substantial box like casing having a substantially rectangular shaped opening in its front, a cover piece for the opening and having a flanged lower edge to receive the companion edge of the opening, brackets on the inner face of the cover piece, the cover piece being formed with a slot, a cylindrical member forming a receiver having trunnions detachably engaged in the brackets, a slide on the member to permit access thereto, a plate on the member to coincide with the slot in the cover piece, and means for locking the coverpiece in the opening in the casing.

In testimony whereof, I afiix my signature hereto. 7 V

WINFIELD S. MARE. 

